Introduction To Composite Fillings
Composite fillings are placed when an injury, trauma or decay has occurred. Minor tooth wear (bruxism) can also be treated with composite fillings, which your dentist will use to strengthen your tooth.
A composite filling is a discreet and mercury-free alternative to an amalgam filling. Composite fillings are also less destructive to a tooth as typically less drilling is needed to place the filling, keeping much of your tooth for longer. Composite fillings are also chemically sealed to your tooth which helps in keeping out bacteria from getting into your tooth and helps to protect the nerve in your tooth from irritation or damage.
Examination
Your dentist will examine the level of decay or damage the tooth has sustained. If you are having treatment for tooth wear using composite fillings, we may use a combination of techniques to address this, including crowns.
Your Filling
The procedure typically lasts for 30-45 minutes. Your dentist will prepare the area by administering anaesthetic at the treatment site. A rubber dam is placed to prevent any moisture from affecting the treatment process.
Our dentists are keen users of the rubber dam during restorative dental procedures. Our latex-free rubber dams are instrumental in reducing post-procedural infections.
When you choose Lakewood Dental for your cosmetic dental treatment, you are putting your oral care in the hands of professionals who truly love what they do. We love the care and marriage of science involved in planning composite filling cases.
Most of all, we love to see the confidence and improved sense of well-being that our patients feel when they have their chewing, biting, and smiling faculties restored.
We believe in continuously finding treatment methods that make life easier for our patients. Ultimately, making our patients happy is the foundation of what we do and why we do what we do.
The average lifespan of a composite filling is approximately 7-10 years. Make sure you attend regular dentist visits and hygiene cleanings to preserve the condition of your filling.
We also recommend avoiding acidic and teeth-staining foods, which can compromise the shade of the composite.
The use of the rubber dam technique has a number of advantages for patients including:
No, undergoing any filling treatment is generally painless due to the anaesthetic applied to numb your tooth.
If you do feel any discomfort, please let your dentist know – your comfort is our biggest priority.
